ARIZONA

As temperatures in the West hit their summer peaks, look for normally expensive hotels and resorts to lower rates in an effort to attract travelers. The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa in Phoenix, for example, is offering rooms for $125 weekdays and $145 weekends through Labor Day (September 5), representing a 36% and 25% savings, respectively, off the regular rack rates. And remember, it’s a dry heat, so partaking of any number of outdoor activities at the resort – which was designed in part by Frank Lloyd Wright – should be a breeze. Of course, there’s always the resort’s eight pools for cooling off. For more information or reservations, call 800-950-0086 or visit www.arizonabiltmore.com.

MAINE

You don’t have to be a first family familiar to get a taste of the good life in Maine, thanks to a package from the exclusive White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport. The two-night “Go Overboard” getaway, priced at $1,239 a person, double occupancy, features suite accommodation and a cruise for two aboard the inn’s custom-made 44-foot jet boat around part of the scenic Maine coast. The excursion includes lunch at a restaurant on Great Diamond Island in Casco Bay. Continental breakfast each day and dinner one night in the AAA Five Diamond White Barn Inn Restaurant are also part of the package, which is available through September. For more information, call 207-967-2321 or visit www.whitebarninn.com.

MONTANA

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch is a 6,000-acre property located just south of Bozeman, Mont., and less than an hour away from Yellowstone National Park. The ranch has 30 rustic, refurbished cabins and is offering guests the chance to stay in them for two to seven nights between August 28 and September 4 or September 4 and September 11 at 25% off regular package rates. The rate of $310 a person a night during these times includes all meals and gratuities, access to ranch activities such as hiking, hay rides (with hors d’oeuvres), and horseback riding, as well as a Yellowstone Park tour. For more information, call 800-548-3392 or visit www.mtnsky.com.

MALIBU

Malibu’s reputation as a celebrity haven may precede it, but recent improvements to its only upscale hotel may persuade more travelers to consider the rambling seaside town as a destination in its own right. The Malibu Beach Inn, which is literally on the beach, has 47 luxurious guest rooms and suites with private balconies and ocean views. There’s now a full bar in the lobby/terrace, 24-hour in-room dining, expanded food and beverage service on the beach, and wireless Internet access throughout the inn and in the immediate beach area. A new concierge service makes it easier for guests to plug into the Malibu scene, whether that means finding the ultimate star-studded sliver of sand or reserving a table at the latest hot spot. Room rates start at $190. For reservations, call 800-462-5428.